John Aims For Seventh Heaven In Marathon Challenge

John Reay starts a unique challenge today (Tuesday 7 March) that will see him tackle seven marathons in consecutive days in what will be a whirlwind visit to seven different British racecourses. The 37-year-old is raising money for the Injured Jockeys Fund and Great North Air Ambulance and has received full backing from the 20-time champion jockey, Sir Anthony (AP) McCoy.

John begins his 7 in 7 Challenge this morning at Newcastle before moving on to Catterick, Carlisle, Leicester, Hereford, Warwick and will finish at Stratford Racecourse on Monday 13 March. John, a lifelong racing fan and secretary of the Six Thix Racing syndicate, first started thinking about raising money for charity after the tragic injury of JT McNamara at the 2013 Cheltenham Festival and decided to put his thoughts into action after jockey Freddy Tylicki was paralysed in October.

Along with organiser Ian Milburn, John has been preparing for months to raise as much money for the charities as possible and has already received a £5,000 donation from William Hill. On what lies ahead, John commented: “It’s going to be hard but the racing fraternity are really supporting me.

“I’m pretty nervous and in the back of my mind I just want to avoid injury and complete the challenge. It would be amazing to raise maybe £50k, but any money to help the IJF and the Great North Air Ambulance will be gratefully received. I’m dedicating my life to charity now and would love to raise a million pounds in my lifetime.”